Richmond Firearm Training

Jon Woodard founded Richmond Firearm Training in 2010 after realizing how many people lack the actual skills to defend themselves and their families in a violent situation. He's an NRA-certified instructor and Handgun Distinguished Expert who believes carrying with confidence means being genuinely prepared—not just hoping nothing happens.

He runs instruction from his private facility in Powhatan, VA, and serves the entire greater Richmond area including Henrico, Hanover, Powhatan, Goochland, Chesterfield, Louisa, New Kent and Cumberland counties. He'll also teach courses at your facility if you prefer.

NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting (3+ hours, $225 private) Starts with an 8-hour NRA online course you complete at your own pace, then 1.5 hours of classroom review and hands-on work with unloaded guns, finished with range time and a qualification target. Covers safety, handgun types, operation and marksmanship. No gun ownership required—use his loaner at no charge. Qualifies you to apply for Virginia concealed carry permit.

Basic Defensive Handgun (4+ hours, $250 private) Same foundation as NRA Basics but adds self-defense concepts: legal considerations, mental preparation, target placement, shot practice and skill-building. If you're still deciding what gun to buy, the shooting portion lets you try several different models. Also qualifies for Virginia CCW permit.

Handgun Refresher (2 hours, $115 private) For people who took a basic course years ago but haven't stayed sharp. Covers safe handling, operation and marksmanship entirely on the range. Helps rebuild confidence and muscle memory.

Intermediate Defensive Handgun I (2+ hours, $115 private) Requires prior NRA Basics or equivalent. Focuses on mental prep, shot placement, ready positions and speed—about 150 rounds downrange. Range-based, practical skills.

Intermediate Defensive Handgun II (2+ hours, $115 private) Builds on Intermediate I. Covers presentation from holster, placement on multiple targets, hostage rescue scenarios, after-action drills. About 150 rounds. Prerequisites apply.

Church Security Team Training (3+ hours, $25/person) Created after Sutherland Springs. One hour discussing high-profile church shootings, then two hours of self-defense handgun basics. Available at $25/person for church security teams with full leadership endorsement.

• •Military & First Responder Discount: 10% off for active or retired Armed Forces members and their families.

Most training outfits run large group classes where you get brief attention. Woodard keeps groups small—pricing ranges from $225 for solo courses to $425 for 4 people—so you actually get instruction customized to your experience level and goals. If you show up without a gun, you can use one of his.

He responds to scheduling emails within 12 hours and works on-demand scheduling, though 2025 availability is currently limited.

Reach out via email ([email protected]) or phone (804.955.9157) to schedule. Payment accepted: cash, check, money order, Venmo, or PayPal.

"I started Richmond Firearm Training in 2010 after realizing how few people really have the skills to defend themselves and their loved ones. I want you to carry with confidence and be ready for the worst case scenario." — Jon Woodard

Woodard recommends beginners start with a full-sized, striker-fired 9mm. An FBI study from 2014 found 9mm, .40 S&W and .45 ACP roughly equivalent in stopping power, with law enforcement adopting 9mm for higher capacity, lower recoil and cost advantages.